Criminal Appeals
A criminal appeal is not a second trial. It requires identifying legal errors that may have affected the outcome of the initial trial and presenting persuasive legal arguments before an appellate court. Successful appeals demand careful analysis of the trial record, a thorough understanding of appellate law, and clear, effective written and oral advocacy.
Ryan has extensive experience in criminal appeals, acting for both appellants and respondents in appeals involving convictions and sentence appeals. He has argued appeals before appellate courts in British Columbia, Ontario, the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia and Nunavut. He has substantial experience identifying appealable errors relating to jury instructions, evidentiary rulings, procedural fairness, constitutional rights, and sentencing principles.
In addition to his advocacy, Ryan serves as Chair of the Criminal Appeals Committee for Nunavut Legal Aid. In that role, he reviews convictions and sentences to determine whether appeals should be funded, assesses proposed grounds of appeal, and provides guidance on complex appellate issues. This experience provides him with a practical understanding of what makes an appeal both legally sound and strategically effective.
Whether you are considering an appeal, responding to one, or seeking advice about your appellate rights, Ryan can provide clear, practical advice and experienced representation at every stage of the appeal process.
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